Afterward, Flint resident April Alexander spoke during the time set aside for comments from the public. She talked about her only son, Virgil, a Flint Central High School marching band member who was shot and killed in 2007 at age 18.

She said she supports a tax increase for public safety if it prevents another mother from losing a child.

“No one should have to feel that pain, that despair, that hopelessness,” she said. “If it takes me paying more, I will do that in order to be safe.”

Flint resident Linda Boose said she would support a millage just for police, not the fire department, jail or other services.

"We really need to focus on the police," she said.

Flint resident Chris Del Morone was against the proposal because of the city’s economic straits.

“The residents of the city cannot afford it,” he said. “We’ve got the (Genesee) Towers tax, we’ve got the water and sewer increase.”

Looking to the future, Walling said he’s hoping Flint residents will take up a petition drive to get the 6-mill proposal on the May ballot so voters can decide.